Artefill and Perlane get FDA approval

Wrinkle fillers Artefill and Perlane now available at the Sullivan Centre:

Perlane® is composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the body. The hyaluronic acid in Perlane® is a crystal clear gel that is chemically cross-linked (the long chemical strands are tied together) to delay breakdown by skin enzymes. Perlane® is non-animal-based and free from animal protein, therefore, Allergy pre-testing is not necessary.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found throughout all living organisms that retains water -- absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight -- and adds volume to the skin’s surface. In addition, hyaluronic acid binds with collagen and elastin and transports essential nutrients to these fibers. The triple combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin and contributes to its overall appearance.

As the skin ages and is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, the cells lose the ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin begins to lose volume, often resulting in the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers compromised of crossed-linked hyaluronic acid are used by physicians to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and to restore skin volume and a smooth, natural appearance.

The primary difference between Perlane and it’s sister product Restylane is that the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane are larger than those found in Restylane. This gives Perlane additional ability to lift and fill the areas of injection that require a denser formulation. Perlane® is injected into the skin to smooth away wrinkles and folds. Perlane®’s water-loving nature attracts and binds water molecules to help maintain volume.

The FDA has approved Artefill for safe and effective correction of facial wrinkles known as smile lines. Artefill is the only FDA-approved non-reabsorbable aesthetic injectable implant. It consists of a combination of tiny microspheres made of   Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), purified bovine collagen, and lidocaine for comfort. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most widely used synthetic materials in medicine.

The purified bovine collagen gel acts as a carrier for the microspheres in Aretfill. Gradually the body absorbs the injected bovine collagen while the PMMA microspheres remain and provide a permanent support structure below the wrinkle to maintain the correction. Most people achieve the desired results with one or two treatments depending on the depth of their wrinkles and folds.

PMMA is a safe and biologically inert implant material and reactions are very rare. The most common adverse reactions associated with Artefill injections are lumpiness, persistent swelling or redness, and increased sensitivity at the injection site. A small percentage of people can be allergic to purified bovine collagen therefore a skin test is required before treatment.